By Troy Gillard (Twitter: @Troy_Gillard)

Humboldt Broncos tragedy hits close to home for Rebels

Apr 7, 2018 | 3:37 PM

Hockey is a tight-knit community, and never has that been more evident than in the wake of the devastating news involving the Humboldt Broncos.

The junior hockey team was travelling to Nipawin for an SJHL playoff game late Friday afternoon when their bus was struck by a semi, killing 15 and injuring 14 others.

Red Deer Rebels GM and head coach Brent Sutter issued a statement Saturday morning to share his sorrow over the crash.

Rebels radio announcer Cam Moon, a former goaltender with the Nipawin Hawks, says Friday’s tragedy definitely hits close to home.

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“The hockey community has really rallied,” Moon said Saturday during an interview on 106.7 The Drive. “From the NHL right through minor pro to the WHL, through Junior A, Junior B, Midget AAA, you name it.

“It’s heart wrenching. It affects everyone in such a profound way. Words can’t even begin to describe it.”

Having a junior team of their own with the Rebels means Central Albertans can really feel for what the Humboldt community is going through, Moon says.

“They realize it could happen to any team. The team becomes part of the community. And in a place like Humboldt, where there’s only 6000 people, you can just imagine just how entrenched the team is. Everybody knows those guys.”

Moon says Friday’s tragedy is one the hockey community will never forget.

“Everybody rode the buses. The guys in the NHL now don’t, but every level below that does. It hits home because they’ve been there and it can change in an instant. Unfortunately, last night it did.”

Other local hockey teams also took to Twitter to share their best wishes.